Country profile

Estonia

Europe & Central AsiaHigh income1.37M inhabitants

Last updated April 1, 2026

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Composite GEFRI Score

Progressing readiness

Estonia shows progressing readiness (92nd percentile worldwide). Reforms are translating into broader capability, though uneven performance continues to slow system-wide alignment. Higher scores indicate a system that is better prepared to anticipate and shape the future of learning.

72.11Composite score
Global percentile
92nd
Global rank
#16
Regional rank
#11
Viewing data for
Infrastructure
75.36
89th percentileGlobal avg. 59.93
Human Capital
59.70
81st percentileGlobal avg. 47.03
Innovation
62.72
84th percentileGlobal avg. 42.53
Governance
81.36
92nd percentileGlobal avg. 47.71
Access & Parity
81.43
78th percentileGlobal avg. 43.89

Country profile

Estonia ranks among the world’s most future-ready systems. Every GEFRI dimension performs well above global norms, with notable strengths in Governance (81, 92nd percentile). This profile reflects sustained investment in innovation, equitable access, and system-wide capability.

Uneven scores across dimensions highlight areas that need targeted coordination. High internet adoption enables broad participation in digital learning and innovation.

A large research workforce accelerates experimentation, technology adoption, and applied innovation. Policy and regulatory teams coordinate effectively, keeping reforms aligned and providing the stability needed for long-term educational planning. Girls outperform boys in secondary pathways, adding pressure to address male dropout risks.

Regionally, Estonia leads most clearly in Governance, sitting well above the peer average.

Note: Several indicators use imputed values. Policymakers and planners should validate results further before committing to major initiatives.

Key insights

  • Ranks in the 92nd percentile worldwide, placing the system among high performers.
  • Places 16th worldwide.
  • Holds a regional position of 11th within Europe & Central Asia.
  • Scores range from Access & Parity (81.4) to Human Capital (59.7), reflecting variation across dimensions.
  • Leads regional peers most clearly in Governance.

Regional peers: Europe & Central Asia

Composite GEFRI score

Global rankRegional rankCountryScore
11Denmark80.65
52Austria75.95
63Norway75.54
74Finland75.51
85Switzerland75.24
96Germany75.12
107United Kingdom74.89
118Sweden74.71
129France74.55
1510Portugal72.72
1611Estonia72.11
1712Netherlands71.64
1813Czechia71.11
1914Iceland70.99
2015Belgium70.89
2116Poland70.70
2217Lithuania70.65
2318Slovenia70.57
2719Spain70.17
2820Ireland70.12
2921Luxembourg69.43
3022Italy69.35
3123Greece69.25
3524Latvia68.04
3625Cyprus67.99
——LiechtensteinMicrostate67.36
3726Hungary65.67
3827Croatia65.56
——GibraltarMicrostate64.07
——San MarinoMicrostate63.76
4228Bulgaria62.81
4329Moldova62.80
——MonacoMicrostate62.60
4430Serbia62.22
4631Russian Federation61.73
4732Slovak Republic61.70
5033Turkiye60.91
5134Montenegro60.80
5235Kazakhstan60.66
5336Armenia60.51
——Channel IslandsMicrostate60.36
——Isle of ManMicrostate60.36
——Faroe IslandsMicrostate60.33
5537Albania59.95
——AndorraMicrostate59.64
5838Georgia58.46
6239Uzbekistan57.72
6340Belarus57.44
——GreenlandMicrostate56.89
6941Kyrgyz Republic56.42
7442Romania55.12
7743North Macedonia54.09
8444Bosnia and Herzegovina51.59
8545Kosovo51.46
9046UkraineFCS50.96
9847Azerbaijan48.88
10848Turkmenistan41.46
10949Tajikistan41.41